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/ 11 March 2008

F1’s changing times: From crazy gang to mild bunch

Back in the wild Sixties and Seventies, a Formula One hotshot would arrive bleary-eyed at his hotel, check out the nearest club and order a large drink or three. In 2008, his corporate-conscious counterpart is more likely to check into the gym and order an early call. ”I have busy testing days, busy marketing days and I have training days,” said Lewis Hamilton.

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/ 11 March 2008

Federer edges Sampras in exhibition match

World number one Roger Federer enjoyed a special moment on Monday when he beat Pete Sampras in an electrifying exhibition match in New York’s Madison Square Garden. ”It was like a dream come true for me,” Federer said. ”Playing my childhood hero here at the Garden. I had never played here. It was great. We had lots of fun.”

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/ 11 March 2008

Steyn relishes India challenge

Tearaway South Africa speedster Dale Steyn is smacking his lips in anticipation of a battle royal with India’s batsmen in the upcoming three-Test series. Steyn (24) taught Bangladesh a few lessons in fast bowling in the recent two-Test series, from which he bagged 14 wickets, and is now training his guns on India, who have recently returned from their Australia tour.

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/ 11 March 2008

Trimming the cost of home loans

About 60% to 70% of the South African home finance market is now facilitated by originators, who have managed to secure interest rate concessions of 1% to 2,5% for their clients. They handle the shopping around for you, as well as the administration and insurance.

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/ 11 March 2008

Take a bet on South Africa

If political uncertainty, power cuts and the economic slowdown is making you stay out of the market; think again. You can still make money out of South African equities when the going gets tough. Last year, Investec launched RandHedge as part of its exchange-traded fund "Z-shares" range.

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/ 11 March 2008

NCA hits mid-market

The amount that people are paying to service their debt has risen to an all-time high of 80% of disposable income, according to figures recently released by the South African Reserve Bank. Ian Wason, MD of Bond Busters, attributes much of this to the lengthy introduction of the National Credit Act.

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/ 11 March 2008

The big split

Since September last year, divorcees have been able to receive a portion of their ex-spouse’s pension fund without waiting until retirement. But confusion about the taxation of these funds and whether divorce orders prior to the change in legislation qualify has meant that the payment has often not been made.